The HSE has announced a new screening initiative for pregnant women who have diabetes.
The risk of diabetic retinopathy can increase during pregnancy and the new initiative is set to provide more frequent screenings for women to ensure their eyesight is protected.
As part of the National Screening Service (NSS), the programme aims to encourage women with diabetes to take up their invitation for the free screening when pregnant.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes that can affect the small blood vessels at the back of the eye.
It causes the blood vessels in the retina to leak or become blocked and can damage a person’s sight.
When caught early, the treatment can be effective in either reducing the damage or preventing it altogether.
Speaking at the launch of the Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment (DRT) Service in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said: “This new initiative provides women with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes with more frequent and potentially sight-saving eye screening during their pregnancy, given that the risk of diabetic retinopathy may increase during their pregnancy.
“It brings together maternity services and screening services in a way that supports a multi-disciplinary approach and provides local, targeted care for this specific group of women during their pregnancy.
“I was delighted to support the pilot phase of this project through a grant from the Women’s Health Fund and I commend all those involved in implementing the national roll-out of this important screening.
“I would particularly like to thank all those involved in the delivery of maternity services across the country, for their support of this new initiative.”
Dr David Keegan, Diabetic RetinaScreen Clinical Director, added: “For women with diabetes, the risk of diabetic retinopathy and sight loss may increase during pregnancy.
“This new initiative, through the Diabetic RetinaScreen programme, will deliver a specific service for women with diabetes who are pregnant. This will improve equality and quality of access to eye care for women at risk of sight loss.”
